There are rules to OnlyFans collaborations that nobody writes down but everyone expects you to follow. Break them, and you won't get invited back. Follow them, and you'll build a reputation that has creators reaching out to YOU. Here are 12 unwritten rules every creator should know — organized by when they matter most.
Before the Shoot
1. Pitch with your stats, not just vibes
Don't send "hey wanna collab?" with nothing else. That's the creator equivalent of a blank resume. When you reach out, include your subscriber count (or a range), your niche, your location, and what kind of content you're looking for. Give the other creator enough information to make a decision. Something like: "Hey! I'm a fitness creator with ~8K subs based in Miami. I'd love to do a G/G photo shoot — I have a studio I can host at. Interested?" That's a pitch. "Collab?" is not.
2. Don't lowball or overpromise
Be honest about your audience size and engagement. Claiming 50K subscribers when you have 5K will come out during the shoot (or worse, after, when the other creator sees zero traffic from your "promotion"). Likewise, don't promise revenue splits you can't deliver. Honesty builds repeat partnerships. Exaggeration builds a reputation you don't want.
3. Confirm 24 hours before
Shoots fall apart because one person assumed the other would show up. Send a confirmation message the day before: "Hey, just confirming tomorrow at 2pm at [location]. I'll have [equipment/outfits/etc.]. See you there!" This prevents no-shows and gives both parties a final chance to sort logistics.
4. Come prepared
Bring what you said you'd bring: outfits, props, equipment, chargers, IDs (if required by the studio), and water/snacks for a long shoot. Show up camera-ready. Nothing wastes time like a creator who needs an hour to get ready after arriving. If you're the host, make sure the space is clean, well-lit, and stocked with basics (water, towels, phone chargers).
Pro Tip: Create a "shoot bag" that stays packed — chargers, backup batteries, basic lighting, snacks, water, and a change of outfit. Grab it and go. Pros are always ready.
During the Shoot
5. Check in, don't just check off
Consent isn't a one-time checkbox at the start of the shoot. Check in throughout: "Are you still comfortable with this?" "Do you want to keep going or switch to something else?" "How are you feeling?" This isn't just etiquette — it's a legal and ethical requirement. Ongoing consent protects both creators and produces better content because everyone is genuinely comfortable.
6. Respect the shot list
If you agreed to specific content types beforehand, stick to the plan. Don't spring surprise requests during the shoot. "Hey, can we also do [thing not discussed]?" puts the other creator in an uncomfortable position. If you want to add something, ask if they're open to discussing it — and be completely fine with a no.
7. Keep your phone away
Unless you're using it to shoot, put your phone down. Scrolling through notifications, texting other people, or taking calls during a shoot is disrespectful of the other creator's time. You're both there to create — be present. The DMs can wait two hours.
8. Don't direct the other creator's content
You're collaborating, not directing a production. Unless someone explicitly asks for direction, let each creator handle their own angles, poses, and style. Saying "you should do it this way" or "that doesn't look good" is a fast way to create tension. Offer suggestions gently: "What if we tried..." is better than "You need to..."
Remember: Everyone has different experience levels. If you're more experienced, lead by example rather than by instruction. If you're less experienced, don't be afraid to ask for help — most creators are happy to share tips.
After the Shoot
9. Send a thank-you message
After the shoot, send a quick message: "Had a great time today — thanks for being so professional. Looking forward to seeing the content!" It takes 30 seconds and leaves a lasting impression. Creators talk to each other. Being known as someone who's professional AND appreciative gets you invited to future collaborations and recommended to other creators.
10. Edit and deliver on time
If you agreed to share edited content by a certain date, hit that deadline. Late delivery throws off the other creator's content calendar and posting schedule. If you need more time, communicate early — don't go silent. "Hey, editing is taking longer than expected, I'll have everything to you by Friday" is fine. Radio silence until someone chases you is not.
11. Post within the agreed window
When you agree to a coordinated content drop, stick to it. If you said you'd both post on Thursday, post on Thursday. Delayed posting hurts both creators because the cross-promotion effect depends on simultaneous visibility. Your subscribers need to see the content while the other creator's subscribers are also being directed to your page.
12. Give credit generously
Tag the other creator everywhere: in the post, in the caption, in your story, on X. Don't make them ask. Generous credit-giving is the cheapest and most effective way to build goodwill. The creators who tag without being asked are the ones who get collab requests constantly — because everyone wants to work with someone who actively promotes their partners.
The bottom line: Collaboration etiquette comes down to professionalism, communication, and respect. Follow these 12 rules and you'll stand out from the crowd — because most creators don't. CollabPls connects you with verified creators who take their collaborations seriously. Browse the platform, find your next partner, and show up like a pro.